US and Japan slam N. Korean missile tests

Euronews

The United States is set to hold diplomatic consultations about hauling North Korea before the UN Security Council over new missile firings. North Korea launched up to ten missiles this morning.

They included a long-range Taepodong-2, but it apparently failed 40 seconds into its flight, according to U.S. officials. At least three missiles reportedly fell into the Sea of Japan.

Japan’s Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe says:
“From the point of view of our national security, the peace and security of the region and of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, that North Korea’s launched these missiles- despite our and other countries repeated warnings- this is a serious problem. We protest strongly against North Korea and express our deepest regrets.”

Japan has called on Pyongyang to return to talks on ending its nuclear weapons programme, which have been stalled since the end of last year. The Taepodong-2 has a range of up to 6,000 km, putting the US territory of Alaska within striking distance.US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said the launches were “provocative behaviour”, but not a threat to US territory.